hackneyed - (of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite
Ricky was ready to tell his boss he was completely prepared for the job, but he wanted to avoid being told a hackneyed expression like "make sure you have his ducks in a row."
wedge - A piece of material with a thick end that tapers to a thin edge, used to split, support, or secure things; also something that forces separation or division between people or groups.
The disagreement drove a wedge between the two longtime friends, and they really didn't enjoy spending time together anymore.